INVENTORY OF THE VIZETELLY AND COMPANY (1850-1855) LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS, 1785, 1838-1854

Letters and documents, 1785, 1838-1854

Physical Description: 108 items

Scope and Content Note

The collection comprises letters and some accounts sent to James Vizetelly by ca. 40 correspondents over 14 years, between 1838 and 1854. Most of the letters are from 1840-1842 (36 items) and 1851-1853 (47 items). There are no letters from the years 1848-1850. Except for three letters in English, all items are in French. The collection includes a draft of a letter by Vizetelly to the Parisian publisher Pagnerre from 1852. Also included are four unrelated documents.

Folder 1

Volume I

item 1 [date indecipherable]

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Nereston [?] asks his friend James Vizetelly to lend him 6 livres.

item 2 1851 Feb 15 London

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

T. Canet asks Vizetelly to pay his account of 20 livres 4 shillings and 6 pence.

item 3 1852 Nov 17 [London?]

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Ivan Golovine informs Vizetelly that he is settling in England and would like Vizetelly to publish some works, such as Russian servitude, Mémoires d'un prêtre russe, and other titles.

item 4 [1853 Sept?]

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

E. Vacherot asks Vizetelly to send money for room and board and other expenses for his (Vizetelly's) wife and child. [see items 35-38]

item 5 1853 Aug 17 [Paris?]

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

C. Colleau asks Vizetelly to confirm in writing that he will be employed as a correspondent of the company.

item 6 [1853?] [Paris]

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Melchior Yvan informs Vizetelly about the price and conditions for publishing his illustrated treatise in several volumes.

item 7 1852 Dec 26 Paris

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

G. de la Laudelle sends Vizetelly an enthusiastic description of his latest volume, Falcar le rouge, comparing it with Les princes d'ébène, another of his novels in the series, and also comparing it with Uncle Tom's cabin.

item 8 1844 Jan 2 [Paris?]

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Victor Masson asks Vizetelly to provide his best ink to the Crapelet Printing Co., which would like to become a client.

item 9 1845 Nov 15 Brussels

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

[Indecipherable] informs Vizetelly about the source and price of the clock and candelabra Vizetelly saw at his home, and which he is willing to sell.

item 10 [1853?] June 26 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Melchior Yvan asks for confirmation that he is hired to translate Voyage et récits.

item 11 1854 Jan. 28 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

P. Spironiane [?] asks Vizetelly to send him the woodcuts made for his volume in order to make a cliché for its second improved and enlarged edition, unless the Vizetelly company would prefer to publish the new edition directly.

item 12 [1851]

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Unsigned and undated note from Alphonse de Lamartine regarding copyright for the English edition of his work Histoire de la Restoration.

item 13 1840 May 14 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon thanks Vizetelly (on letterhead Imprimerie de Béthune et Plon) for the vignettes and the box of fine ink he has sent him.

item 14 1839 Nov 22 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Léon Curmer writes Vizetelly criticizing the company's books about "femmes célèbres." He suggests the best biographical sources to be used, starting with Michaud's Biographies universelles.

item 15 1840 Aug 12 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon writes (on letterhead) about payment for a keg of ink received from Vizetelly.

item 16 1840 July 2 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Plon discusses (on letterhead) the ink color in various shipments, ordering a barrel of special ink for vignettes.

item 17 1842 June 23 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

L. Curmer asks for the wood blocks engraved by James Vizetelly's brother, Henry, and the watercolor he had sent him. Includes a list of illustrated books sent by Curmer.

item 18 1841 Feb 4 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Plon complains (on letterhead) about the poor quality of the barrel of ink recently received, probably sent in error, and asks for the better quality.

item 19 1841 Feb 28 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon orders (on letterhead) the same ink as the previous shipment.

item 20 1841 June 9 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon writes (on letterhead) a letter of introduction for his client, Mr. [Victor] Masson, one of the best editors in Paris, who is traveling to London. He asks Vizetelly to give him all the information he needs.

item 21 1841 July 29 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Louis Français informs Vizetelly that he has given Curmer the drawings "Intégrité" and "Persévérance et force." He would gladly make more drawings, especially of landscapes, and indicates his prices.

item 22 1841 Apr 9 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Louis Français informs Vizetelly that he has given Curmer the drawings "Héroïsme" and "Bienveillance," and is sending two sketches for the last drawing ordered. Reiterates his preference for landscapes, and lists his prices by size.

item 23 1840 March 11 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Louis Français apologizes for the delay caused by illness. He will soon send the drawings along with samples of decorated capitals in case Vizetelly wants to order a full alphabet.

item 24 [1841?] [Paris]

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Louis Français has given Curmer the last three drawings, and indicates the prices.

item 25 1841 Nov 4 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Louis Français has sent the last two drawings, "Persévérance," and "Integrité." He did not receive payment for them, nor for the previous two; he adds the prices.

item 26 1841 July 5 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon inquires (on letterhead) about his request for ink sent with a friend traveling to London.

item 27 1840 Apr 27 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

L. Curmer thanks Vizetelly for the souvenir he has sent him. He could not write sooner because of illness. The gravure of Jeanne d'Arc is included in the work of Garard, which he is sending with a friend. Curmer informs Vizetelly about his projects, including one of 10 volumes. Asks to be kept informed about possible business collaborations for the future.

item 28 1842 Oct 16 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Plon writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he is waiting for the ink they ordered, and that he has sent Vizetelly the wine he asked for. If he likes it, Plon will send more in exchange for the same ink. The engraver Philipon adds a note about "Cinderella" and other fairy tales being engraved.

item 29 1841 July 21 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Plon sends his friend the current issue of the Musée Parisien. He has acquired a large stock of famous brands of old wine that Vizetelly could sell at a good price in London.

item 30 1842 Nov. [5?] Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

The Imprimerie-Librairie Dondey-Dupré (on letterhead) orders 25 lb. of Vizetelly's best ink for woodcuts.

item 31 1842 Aug 18 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

L. Curmer urgently asks that the engravings made by Vizetelly's father be sent, along with proofs of more recent engravings.

item 32 1839 Dec 19 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

L. Curmer sends Vizetelly a letter and a box of drawings to be delivered to Orrin Smith who will engrave them. He has temporarily interrupted the series of "heads." Vizetelly may withdraw his money from Rothschild.

item 33 1842 Oct 20 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Max Béthune explains (on letterhead) the payment conditions for merchandise sent.

item 34 1854 Jan 17 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

M. Godefroy, agent of Société des gens de lettres (on letterhead) clarifies a monetary transaction with Vizetelly. In a postscript Mr. Busquet asks if Vizetelly would print, in French or in translation, his study of English customs, Londres fantastique.

item 35 1853 May 20 [Paris?]

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

E. Vacherot informs Vizetelly that everything is prepared to accommodate Mrs. Vizetelly, her child and brother, starting May 31.

item 36 1853 May 29 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Magnier writes Vizetelly that the repeated delays are a growing inconvenience both for Vacherot, who has refused other clients while waiting for Mrs. Vizetelly to arrive, and for Magnier himself, who recommended them to Vacherot. He hopes that, if she does not come, Mr. Vizetelly will compensate Mr. Vacherot for his losses.

item 37 1853 Sept 2 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Danton writes (on letterhead Académie de la Seine) on behalf of Mr. Vacherot, his brother-in-law, who is still lodging Mrs. Vizetelly and her child, although he has not received any money despite months of promises. Mrs. Vizetelly also needs money to return to London.

item 38 [1853] Aug 16 [Paris]

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

E. Vacherot informs Vizetelly that they are out of money after incurring expenses for his wife and child, including those for doctor's visits, and room and board.

item 39 1854 Jan 31 London

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

[Indecipherable] writes Vizetelly on behalf of his friend, the Comte de la Gironnière, requesting the copies of his work he is entitled to, as well as the plates that are needed for the Paris edition.

item 40 1842 July 16 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

L. Curmer writes Vizetelly about some engraving business conducted through Vizetelly's brother, who has not answered his letter. He needs some wood engravings and drawings to be sent to him, as well as the watercolors depicting the French army, which Vizetelly's brother could not use, but for which Curmer has found a client in Paris.

item 41 1842 Oct 22 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Max Béthune writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) about a misunderstanding related to a financial transaction.

item 42 n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

A. Berty complains that he received no payment for a drawing made on order. If he does not receive the money soon, he will have to use other means less polite than his letter.

item 43 n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

After failing to meet the unnamed addressee to receive the payment due him, A. Berty asks that the money be handed to the person he will send to fetch it.

item 44 n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Announcement signed by Etienne Mehrel, inventor of a new "Rabot et Varloppe," who is looking for someone willing to advance 25 pounds sterling for the patent, in exchange for a share in the commercialization of this new process.

item 45 1848 Dec 28 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

J. Hetzel [?] sends Vizetelly a bill for the 28 clichés delivered. He asks for the list of subjects they have selected, for which he will make clichés.

item 46 1853 Dec 8 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Godefroy asks Vizetelly (on letterhead Société des gens de lettres) if he will agree to take charge of registering the copyright of Hippolyte Castille's book Les hommes et les moeurs en France sous le règne de Louis-Philippe .

item 47 1853 June 18 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

E. Sallior [?] informs Vizetelly about the prices, payments and deliveries decided by M. Yvan for the illustrated books in the works.

item 48 [1853] June 10 [Paris]

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

M. Yvan sends Vizetelly a letter from J.-M. Callery related to their business; he is waiting for Vizetelly's suggestions.

item 49 1853 June 10 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Letter from J.-M. Callery to Yvan, who sent it to Vizetelly. Callery believes they should accept the price Vizetelly asked for registering the copyright for Castille's book in London. Callery asks Yvan to remind Vizetelly to return the drawings of Chinese costumes he gave him.

item 50 1851 Oct 24 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Collignon writes (on letterhead) on behalf of Pagnerre about the publication of the third and fourth volumes of Lamartine's Histoire de la restauration, which is slightly delayed. He hopes that Vizetelly will not put the English translation on sale before the French edition is out in November.

item 51 [1852] Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Charles Geoffrey asks for payment for the drawings he made of Lord Wellington's funeral.

item 52 n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

E. Sallior [?] writes to an unnamed person, asking for information about payment conditions for molds and clichés. [in English]

item 53 1853 Mar 24 London

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

P. Hesse [?] writes to Vizetelly on behalf of his friend, the Comte de la Gironnière, asking whom he should contact to obtain a copy of Dumont-Durville's book. The Comte also asks where he should send the drawings Vizetelly requested, and informs him that, if he is well treated, he also will send them several pages of the Supplément sur l'agriculture des Philippines and other materials.

item 54 1854 Jan 19 Paris

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

J. Murtin [?] answers James Vizetelly's letter, informing him of the steps he and M. Lemercier took against the Villain and Hombres Companies, the money the company embezzled, and the resulting bankruptcy. He advises Vizetelly to obtain patents in England for his company's new designs for machines, including printing presses. They are ready to come to London as soon as they receive an answer from him. [See related letter, item 105.]

item 55 1853 Nov 6

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

M. Mallouni [?] informs Vizetelly (on hotel stationery) about the hotel where he is lodged, waiting for Mrs. Vizetelly.

item 56 1854 June 9

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Note accompanying the first nine chapters of a novel by Alexandre Dumas, which should help Vizetelly make his decision [signature indecipherable].

item 57 1845 Nov 13 Brussels,

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

C. Van Bevere, notary in Brussels to the Baron Beckman, informs Vizetelly that Mr. Wahlen has consulted him about the authenticity of signatures on the account of concern to his company. The notary asks for an exact copy of that account to show to the Baron.

item 58 Dec 28 London

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Letter from an unidentified woman, sent to James Vizetelly during his trip to Paris, informing him that he soon will receive the box of samples he left behind. The woman reminds him not to forget the modern gold earrings she has asked for, and recommends, among other Paris attractions, the painting by Delaroche exhibited at the Palais de beaux-arts.

item 59 1847 Dec 17 Paris

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Letter to Bondeville from a friend in Paris (indecipherable) who transcribes for him a letter by Marion de Lorme from 1641 about the visit of Lord Worcester to the Bicêtre hospice describing his talk with the inmate Salomon de Caus, inventor of the steam engine.

item 60 1853 Jan 15 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

G. de la Laudelle asks his agent Godefroy to inform Vizetelly that he has made all the changes he was asked to do, and he has written the introduction to the translated edition of his book.

item 61 1853 Jan 15 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Godefroy writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he is sending a letter just received from G. de la Laudelle, asking him to send his answers to the writer. He also asks Vizetelly to send him the issue of the Illustrated London News in which was published Paul Féral's essay.

item 62 n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Transcription (or digest) of a text regarding the copyright treaties between England and France, specifying publishers' obligations and noting that the United States has unrestricted choices regarding publication because it is not included in such treaties.

item 63 1852 June 8 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead Pagnerre Éditeur) that he has received the sixth volume of Histoire de la restauration, which is being printed; he will send the pages as soon as the galleys are corrected. He lists his publication projects.

item 64 1852 Feb 22 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Collignon informs Vizetelly (on Pagnerre letterhead) that he has sent the end of the fifth volume of the Restauration.

item 65 1852 Mar 24 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he received from Lamartine the manuscript of the sixth volume of the Restauration, which he will start printing at once. He has sent a copy of the previous volume to London in compliance with the copyright treaty with England. Includes some financial information.

item 66 1852 Feb 3 Paris

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) of his long illness. Discusses the money to be paid for the publication of the previous volumes of Lamartine, while the fifth volume is still being printed. After seeing how Lamartine treated the English army and Lord Wellington, he doubts that the author will have much success in England.

item 67 1852 Mar 9 Paris

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre writes (on letterhead) about the genius and eloquence of Lamartine, which should prevail over the occasional mistake in dates, names and historical events in his Histoire de la restauration. He informs Vizetelly that they are authorized to publish the English version, and have the statement of the author himself, which does not require his signature. [see item 12]

item 68 1851 Aug 25 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Collignon writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) on behalf of Pagnerre who is bedridden with rheumatic pains. He reminds Vizetelly of his promise to send the translated version of the Histoire de la restauration along with the published reviews.

item 69 1851 Sept 2 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Collignon informs Vizetelly (on Pagnerre letterhead) about the shipment of pages from the third volume of Lamartine's work.

item 70 1851 June 30 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre announces (on letterhead) the shipment of pages from Lamartine's second volume. Sends news about his family and asks for the same from Vizetelly.

item 71 1851 July 3 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) of his talk with Lamartine about the translation of his book.

item 72 1851 July 4 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre announces (on letterhead) that they finished the first two volumes of Lamartine's book, which will be translated into English by the author himself.

item 73 1851 July 5 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre sends Vizetelly more pages of the English translation by Lamartine, who is working on it at a steady pace.

item 74 1851 July 15 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he should send Lamartine a letter of congratulations for his English translation. He encloses a note in Lamartine's hand regarding the copyright for the English edition of his book. [see item 12]

item 75 1851 Aug 4 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he will send him a copy of the first two volumes of their French edition of the Restauration. The author demands a copy of the English version from Vizetelly. He is very happy with the success of the book in the press, and asks for all the newspapers that have discussed the copyright issue.

Folder 2

Volume II

item 76 1785 Aug 10 Paris

Physical Description: 6 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Transcript of the judicial settlement regarding the movable goods of Paul d'Hugues's estate.

item 77 1843 Dec 9 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

J. Best, from Andrew, Best & Leloir, sends the director of the London illustrated journal Pictorial times several proofs from a comic book by the caricaturist Cham, illustrated with 120 wood engravings, which the artist would like to sell to the journal or to Punch.

item 78 1852 Feb 24 London

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Draft of a letter by Vizetelly informing Pagnerre that he postponed his trip to Paris because of smallpox in his family. He intended to talk with him about mistakes found in Histoire de la restauration by Lamartine. He also asks Pagnerre to comply with some procedures required for its publication in England. [text heavily edited, not signed]

item 79 1838 Feb 22 [London?]

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

A. Fellonneau sends James Vizetelly the transcription and translation of a paragraph from a letter received from the "eminent Parisian publisher Curmer," who expresses his great admiration for the skills and talent of Mr. Vizetelly in the "art of printing" and hopes that he has a successor.

item 80 1840 Sept 1 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Request sent by messenger to the "Propriétaire de la librairie des Étrangers" in Paris, inquiring about English-speaking families offering room and board. Includes three answers at the bottom.

item 81 1852 Dec 23 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Janet Lanyer [?] asks Vizetelly for payment of the drawings he had ordered for his brother.

item 82 1851 Nov 28 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

J.-M. Callery communicates the answer from his Chinese draftsman to James Vizetelly's letter regarding the Chinese-Tatar work he has started to publish. The illustrations from the first volume executed by Gower are all wrong. After detailed criticism, Callery offers help if Vizetelly agrees to his terms.

item 83 1852 Jan 31 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Callery sends Vizetelly the account for the drawings, woodcuts and clichés made by his artists. He also asks for four copies of the published book in exchange for the 12 free drawings by his Chinese draftsman, sent for the second volume.

item 84 1851 Dec 5 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Callery refuses to execute Vizetelly's order at a discounted price and explains his prices, which must be paid in advance.

item 85 1852 Jan [4?] Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Upset by Vizetelly's answer, Callery explains again in detail the conditions under which he will agree to cooperate.

item 86 1852 Jan 9 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Callery sends two drawing samples for Vizetelly's order, one of which illustrates a better deal: he suggests his artists transfer the drawings to wood, instead of having the work done in London at higher prices.

item 87 1852 Jan [24?] Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Callery has sent Faber & Co., his agent in London, a box of 10 drawings on wood. He will deliver the rest of the order in two days, and asks Vizetelly to send payment to Faber.

item 88 1852 Jan 28 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Callery explains that he is not responsible for the misunderstanding that delayed his delivery. He is offended by Vizetelly's delay of the payment for the previous shipments, and asks him to remit the last payment for the final delivery sent with this letter.

item 89 1843 Nov 10 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Account sent to Vizetelly by Aubert & Co. (on letterhead that includes advertising) listing the clichés and drawings delivered from November 1842 to November 1843. It is accompanied by a letter dated Nov. 19 from Ch. Philipon, who reminds Vizetelly of the terms of their contract for clichés.

item 90 1842 Nov 17 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Letter from Philipon who discusses some technical problems with the drawings used for the clichés made for Robinson Crusoe and the fairy tales. Includes prices.

item 91 1842 Nov 1 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Ch. Philipon sends Vizetelly the account for the clichés used in the comic album of 1843. He soon will send those for "Petit Poucet," (Tom Thumb) "Cendrillon," (Cinderella) and "Chat botté" (Puss in boots).

item 92 1842 Sept 13 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Account sent to Vizetelly by Aubert & Co. (on letterhead with advertising) for 24 clichés.

item 93 1843 July 21 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Philipon informs Vizetelly that he has sent seven drawings on wood; the engraved clichés will follow soon. Mme. Veze [?] has agreed to write reviews for 60 Fr. per month, but she needs the first issue of their review to see what is appropriate.

item 94 1842 Nov 9 Paris

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Max Béthune sends detailed explanation regarding Vizetelly's account, mentioning some inconsistencies in their accounting procedures. [see item 33]

item 95 1840 Apr 30 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Charles Gossalon informs James Vizetelly that he has seen some proofs of the wood engravings by Captain Marryat for the novel Poor Jack. He needs to know the prices before he will consider acquiring the clichés.

item 96 1839 Dec 11 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon informs James Vizetelly (on letterhead with book advertising on both sides) that they have received a barrel of excellent ink, and will continue ordering.

item 97 1840 Jan 20 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon complains (on letterhead with advertising) that the ink received was not as strong as that obtained through Mr. Andrew, and he asks for a keg of that quality.

item 98 1842 Nov 8 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon informs Vizetelly that he has sent the clichés for the three fairy tales. He corrects previous calculation of prices.

item 99 1840 Nov 28 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Plon urges Vizetelly (on letterhead) to send the ink requested three weeks ago, and to send another shipment immediately afterwards.

item 100 1842 Dec 16 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Typographie Lacrampe et Co. (on letterhead that also lists "Fabrique d'encre") orders a 29 livre sample of Vizetelly's best quality ink.

item 101 1853 Dec 2 Brussels

Physical Description: 2 pp.

Scope and Content Note

J. Murtin [?], a printing machine producer, announces to his clients that the bankruptcy of his partner Villain does not affect his own business. He informs them that, besides his previous composing and typesetting machines, he has invented and licensed a new and faster machine called "lytho-typographique" that prints both text and engravings on both sides of a sheet of paper simultaneously. He asks to be contacted directly, because of the other party's dishonest machinations. [See item 54.]

item 102 1853 Nov 13 Paris

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

An associate, Malouni [?] reports to Vizetelly his efforts to contact various persons in Paris who are or could become involved in Vizetelly's business. The proceedings are costly and he asks for more money as soon as possible.

item 103 1840 July 15 Paris

Physical Description: 3 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Louis Français informs Vizetelly that he has given his drawing to Curmer for delivery. On the second page he includes three decorated capitals as samples for a full alphabet he would be glad to make for 20-25 Fr. apiece. On the last page, under the address, a note by Français's brother mentions a change in shipping arrangements.

item 104 1846 May 22 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Victor Masson (letterhead Victor Masson libraire des sociétés savantes) suggests that Vizetelly publish an English translation of a "charming" arboriculture handbook with 325 illustrations that is very successful in Paris. He can provide the clichés for 80 livres apiece.

item 105 1841 Aug 11 Paris

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Fellonneau [?] writes James Vizetelly asking for his help to obtain the 10% commission due him from Mr. Tyas [?] for selling the casts of Robinson Crusoe in America. [in English]

Folder 3

Three loose letters

item 106 1848 Oct 2

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content Note

Albert Smith informs Vizetelly in a short, angry letter that he does not care for the critical view of himself in the Puppet-show, and he refuses to accept Vizetelly's request. [in English]

item 107 1852 Dec 12 Paris

Physical Description: 6 pp.

Scope and Content Note

G. de la Laudelle writes Vizetelly, who has agreed to register the copyright of his books at the request of M. Godefroy. He discusses similarities and differences between Uncle Tom's cabin and his own successful abolitionist novels, Les princes d'ebène and Falcar le rouge, suggesting their publication in English. The letter includes a list of changes to be made to accommodate his novels to the British public. [see item 7]

item 108 1840 Aug 5 Berwick-upon-Tweed

Physical Description: 4 pp.

Scope and Content Note

Doctor George Johnston confirms his collaboration on the publication of the Dictionary of the natural history of sciences according to the conditions mentioned in Vizetelly's prospectus. He emphasizes that the work must be very well planned regarding the contents, and that sections must be allocated to collaborators according to their expertise. [in English]

Container List